d them, leaving Parry behind them, who was to
take back to London the horses of the gentlemen and of their lackeys,
which had been sold to the host in settlement of their account with him.
Thanks to this stroke of business the four friends were able to take
away with them a sum of money which, if not large, was sufficient as a
provision against delays and accidents.

Parry parted from his friends regretfully; they had proposed his going
with them to France, but he had straightway declined.

"It is very simple," Mousqueton had said; "he is thinking of Groslow."

It was Captain Groslow, the reader will remember, who had broken Parry's
head.

D'Artagnan resumed immediately the attitude of distrust that was
habitual with him. He found the wharf too completely deserted, the night
too dark, the captain too accommodating. He had reported to Aramis what
had taken place, and Aramis, not less distrustful than he, had increased
his suspicions. A slight click of the tongue against his teeth informed
Athos of the Gascon's uneasiness.

"We have no time now for suspicions," said Athos. "The boat is waiting
for us; come."

"Besides," said Aramis, "what prevents our being distrustful and going
aboard at the same time? We can watch the skipper."

"And if he doesn't go straight I will crush him, that's all."

"Well said, Porthos," replied D'Artagnan. "Let us go, then. You first,
Mousqueton," and he stopped his friends, directing the valets to go
first, in order to test the plank leading from the pier to the boat.

The three valets passed without accident. Athos followed them, then
Porthos, then Aramis. D'Artagnan went last, still shaking his head.

"What in the devil is the matter with you, my friend?" said Porthos.
"Upon my word you would make Caesar afraid."

"The matter is," replied D'Artagnan, "that I can see upon this pier
neither inspector nor sentinel nor exciseman."

"And you complain of that!" said Porthos. "Everything goes as if in
flowery paths."

"Everything goes too well, Porthos. But no matter; we must trust in
God."

As soon as the plank was withdrawn the captain took his place at the
tiller and made a sign to one of the sailors, who, boat-hook in hand,
began to push out from the labyrinth of boats in which they were
involved. The other sailor had already seated himself on the port
side and was ready to row. As soon as there was room for rowing, his
companion rejoined him and the boat began to move more rap